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Pro Sports Group > Blogs > Should you ask a client for retainer fees?

Should you ask a client for retainer fees?

Posted December 1st, 2009 by Kevin Willingham

Certainly this will seem pretty obvious if you have a high caliber player. The answer will be no! But if you have an amateur or semi pro player still wanting a shot at the big time, the answer may need to be yes. A good agent will work hard for their clients. Trying to get a player an endorsement or a spot on a team takes lots of time and planning.

You need to consider how you want to handle this on your own; nobody can decide for you. You should though probably not be looking to make a monthly salary off a small time player. It may be wise to set up a one time fee and have a solid plan as to how you will end up marketing that player.

The key here is, what is your time worth? Does the player even have a chance? Only you can decide!

Member Comments

Comment from travisb on 1/23/2010 - 11:38AM CST

Great post Kevin. When I first started, I was reluctant to ask for a retainer but I have recently come around. I categorize athletes as High, Medium and Low probability. Obviously, with the High probability athlete, no fees are required but with the other 2, yes, definitely. I ask for retainer on a sliding scale based upon my assessment of their skills, background, agent or agency hopping and several other variables. I've had to take the law firm approach to my Sports Management practice and it is working out fine.

Comment from jbronkhorst on 3/12/2010 - 10:01AM CST

For you Medium and Low probabilty athletes, what is your fee schedule based off of your sliding scale?

Comment from ken on 6/21/2010 - 9:02AM CDT

Would you please explain your retainer fee. I've though about it but decided not to. But now I get call from guys everywhere looking for an agent. They also send me dvd which some of them can reall play. So if you would explain your retainer scale I'll appreciate it very much.

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